Rockslide zone being repaired on US 129 in Smokies

Published: Tuesday, July 16, 2013 at 10:36 a.m.

Last Modified: Tuesday, July 16, 2013 at 10:36 a.m.

MARYVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — State transportation officials will reduce a section of U.S. 129 to a single lane while crews stabilize a rock wall where a slide occurred last year.

The Smoky Mountains highway, known as "The Dragon" to motorcyclists who like to ride its curvy length, will have lane closures at mile marker 9.5.

The Daily Times (http://bit.ly/11TvtYR ) reported the Tennessee Department of Transportation will begin the lane closures Thursday night with temporary traffic signals. A contractor will scale loose rock and haul it away, then install mesh netting to help contain any rocks that fall in the future.

The $685,000 project is expected to be completed by Aug. 31.

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